STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1796-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 38

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.R. No. 38 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Education to meet the criteria necessary to officially recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.

Your Committee finds that Title IX of the federal Education Amendments of 1972 requires educational institutions to provide equal athletic opportunities for students regardless of sex, and recognizes that emerging women's sports is a key mechanism for fulfilling this mandate. Your Committee further finds that competitive cheerleading has evolved into a highly athletic, team‑based, and strategically complex activity that demands rigorous physical conditioning, technical skill, and year‑round training comparable to other varsity sports. Your Committee believes that recognizing competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport will ensure that high school cheer athletes receive equitable access to resources such as certified coaching, athletic training support, facilities, transportation, and safety oversight consistent with other varsity sports.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 38 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair